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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t make the splash signing many fans expected when NFL free agency opened, particularly at edge rusher. Still, their overall offseason approach earned a solid mark from Pro Football Focus, which gave the team a B grade in its evaluation of every club’s free-agency class.
In PFF’s full roundup of free-agency grades across the league, Tampa Bay landed squarely in the middle of the pack.
The Buccaneers were widely viewed as a potential landing spot for a high-profile pass rusher, especially given their ongoing search for consistent edge production. However, the team ultimately chose not to hand out one of the massive contracts that several edge defenders received on the market.
Instead, Tampa Bay’s front office opted for a more measured strategy, focusing on value deals and roster depth rather than a single blockbuster move.
According to PFF, that disciplined approach helped the Buccaneers avoid the type of risky spending that can hurt teams in future seasons, as most first-off-the-market deals are considered overpays by teams desperate to improve, and those have a notorious record for not living up to the cost.
The lack of a top-tier edge rusher likely kept Tampa Bay’s grade from climbing higher. The Buccaneers have been looking to improve their pass rush in recent seasons, and while the team has invested multiple draft picks at the position, the defense still lacks a proven elite edge presence. Because of that, many expected the team to be aggressive at the position once free agency began.
Still, PFF viewed Tampa Bay’s overall process positively. Rather than overpaying in a competitive market, the Buccaneers prioritized roster flexibility and targeted signings that fit their current structure. They were able to fill a need at LB in homegrown Alex Anzalone, known for his IQ and coverage skills. Kenneth Gainwell joins as a running mate to Bucky Irving after the departure of Rachaad White to the Commanders. Tampa still added to the pass rush with former Lion Al-Quadin Muhammad who had 11 sacks last season to a cheaper deal around $6 million, and topped it off with re-signing Cade Otton.
With the NFL draft and additional roster moves still ahead, Tampa Bay could still look to add another edge defender to complement the current group. For now, PFF’s B grade reflects a steady, calculated offseason for the Buccaneers, one that may not have produced the biggest headlines or met fans' expectations, but was cost-effective and filled positions of need.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Free Agency: PFF has graded the Bucs moves so far
Continue reading...
In PFF’s full roundup of free-agency grades across the league, Tampa Bay landed squarely in the middle of the pack.
The Buccaneers were widely viewed as a potential landing spot for a high-profile pass rusher, especially given their ongoing search for consistent edge production. However, the team ultimately chose not to hand out one of the massive contracts that several edge defenders received on the market.
Instead, Tampa Bay’s front office opted for a more measured strategy, focusing on value deals and roster depth rather than a single blockbuster move.
According to PFF, that disciplined approach helped the Buccaneers avoid the type of risky spending that can hurt teams in future seasons, as most first-off-the-market deals are considered overpays by teams desperate to improve, and those have a notorious record for not living up to the cost.
The lack of a top-tier edge rusher likely kept Tampa Bay’s grade from climbing higher. The Buccaneers have been looking to improve their pass rush in recent seasons, and while the team has invested multiple draft picks at the position, the defense still lacks a proven elite edge presence. Because of that, many expected the team to be aggressive at the position once free agency began.
Still, PFF viewed Tampa Bay’s overall process positively. Rather than overpaying in a competitive market, the Buccaneers prioritized roster flexibility and targeted signings that fit their current structure. They were able to fill a need at LB in homegrown Alex Anzalone, known for his IQ and coverage skills. Kenneth Gainwell joins as a running mate to Bucky Irving after the departure of Rachaad White to the Commanders. Tampa still added to the pass rush with former Lion Al-Quadin Muhammad who had 11 sacks last season to a cheaper deal around $6 million, and topped it off with re-signing Cade Otton.
With the NFL draft and additional roster moves still ahead, Tampa Bay could still look to add another edge defender to complement the current group. For now, PFF’s B grade reflects a steady, calculated offseason for the Buccaneers, one that may not have produced the biggest headlines or met fans' expectations, but was cost-effective and filled positions of need.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Free Agency: PFF has graded the Bucs moves so far
Continue reading...
